I don’t even get the joke.
I will say this and only this: I get the whole need to simplify things and say IMP is bad for taking a cut from merch while supposedly-now- Live Nation doesn’t….but you have to look at the totality of the picture. From a patron perspective there just isn’t any doubt IMP is better…things like not allowing dynamic pricing, giving back to our community in numerous ways, Friends with benefits, and on and on.
From a musical act perspective I really can’t speak but as a concertgoer I have talked to plenty of musical acts who swear by the way the 930 and IMP treats them… I have never heard an act do the same for Live Nation. Acts love to play the 930. From GBV to the Dandy Warhols to Tweedy they look at playing the 930 and IMP venues as something to be proud of and they will tell you that. They look forward to it.
Of course IMP can’t get complacent but in my experience of 30 years going to concerts in DC there is just no comparison. It’s way too facile to say otherwise. And frankly it’s a bit lame to come on here and see all these posts taking the piss. Doesn’t make me want to hang out here.
